It could be a tough week for Tasmanian Treasurer Michael Ferguson, who likely to become the subject of a vote of no confidence.
Labor say they ‘plan to hold Ferguson accountable’ over his handling of various projects, including the troubled Spirit of Tasmania operator and TasPorts.
Independent MP David O’Byrne, a former Labor leader, on Sunday announced he would be withdrawing his support for Ferguson, accusing him of “reprehensible” failures.
“This sorry episode will not only cost Tasmanians close to $100m directly, but will also cost our state’s economy in excess of half a billion dollars of economic activity,” he said on the handling of the new Spirits.
O’Byrne also criticised Ferguson’s “breathtaking lack of contrition and has simply resorted to putting the blame on others”.
“Whilst I do not believe that Minister Ferguson has mislead Parliament, his lack of transparency, oversight and action over the last few years and his actions over the last few months amounts to a reprehensible failure of policy and governance.”
With 17 MPs already expressing support for a no-confidence motion, a successful vote would require just one more.
More to come…
